Jogging the memory

Joe, Raleigh — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:54:09 GMT

Brian,

It regards to your "Person of the Year" choice, I couldn't agree more. In the true spirit of the criteria the "Person of the Year" should be one of great influence and visiblity over the year. I think with the global warming and climate change stories that have dramatically increased over the year, Mother Earath would be perfect. After all, in 1988 TIME did something similar an it was the "Planet of the Year" and the recipient was the Endangered Earth and the reson cited was for jumpstarting a new era of environmental activism. I was only 2 in 1988 and do not know if there actaully was an environmental movement, but I sure think "Going Green" is a new environmental activism era. Keep suggesting it though.

Jogging the memory

J. Ainsworth — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:06:25 GMT

Brian:

I remember waiting in gas lines in the early 70s, odd-even days and $3 maximums. All these years later, we're no better off. I've spent nearly $1,000 for home heating oil in the last month. Gasoline for our family of four costs more than a car payment because of long commutes to work. Odd shifts and out-of-the-ordinary commuting patterns make mass transit impossible. For my own self interest and the good of the planet, I'd love to see actual progress being made in weaning us off of fossil fuels.

Jogging the memory

stuart weinberg — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:09:21 GMT

not pertaining to todays blog, but as a six year multiple myeloma patient, i want to thank you for the visibility that you brought to my disease last week and to the work that you, Ann Curry and Deborah Norville do in supporting the MNRF.

Jogging the memory

stuart weinberg, Scarsdale, New York — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:10:11 GMT

Jogging the memory

Andrea Weston CT — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:17:17 GMT

only thing missing is;

and so it goes..

Nice piece. Until we can address the loopholes in our constitution that not only allow such blatant corruption but encourage it. Reagan stated let the market force and the ceo's handle it. Well we see how great that tricle down theory worked. Many dont remember the gas lines of 73 pushing our cars up to the station one spot at a time from a half mile back than getting within sight of the pumps only for the attendant to put out the OUT OF GAS sign we all so dreaded to see, especially after pusing two tons a half mile in three hours. Keep in mind we couldnt run the engine so no heat either. Ah those were the days. We sure have come a long way baby, havent we?

Jogging the memory

Jeff — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:40:51 GMT

Brian Williams definitely has the "IT" factor!

Whatever "IT" really is, it means that Mr. Williams gives a sense of professionalism, rounded knowledge, and trust in journalism.

It's no coincidence or excuse that NBC news is most watched!

Brian's my boy for news!

JT

Jogging the memory

June Sustick, Fair Haven, New Jersey — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:09:51 GMT

BRIAN, LOVE THE TIES!! Give the person who picks them out a raise! Don't listen to the crab apples who say they take up too much of their tv screen (What?? Never heard that one before.) I for one look forward to them every night along with your professional and personable broadcast. Thanks!

Jogging the memory

Steve Roth, New Windsor, NY. — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:10:31 GMT

Brian.

Just an observation on the new introduction by Michael Douglas at the start of the show. I can do it a lot better. How about it?

Jogging the memory

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:31:59 GMT

Brian I agree with the choice of person of the year being President Putin. Now he's been a strong powerful President and he's not bad on the eyes either. Now as for you well your our Journalist of the Year. Al Gore and JK Rowlings were runners up.

As for the fire at the White House well Bush/Cheney are destroying the Constitution so what else can we expect then to lose the house of the elected US President.

So I don't forget as most of the time I do. Brian I wish you and your staff and wonderful and safe holiday. I'll be sending care gift packages to the troops because I know their names as my daughters in the US Military. Oh and thanks for letting me speak my mind, it helps me from worrying so much.
I'd also like to wish the bloggers on this site a wonderful safe holiday.

Jogging the memory

Josh Cradduck, Ithaca, NY — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:33:59 GMT

Great show tonight, but I am deliberatly tuning in at 6:32 PM so I don't have to hear Michael Douglas announce the show. Please bring back Howard Reig!

Jogging the memory

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:41:25 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, First of all it is terrible about the fire at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (Old Executive Office Building). I can imagine how you remembered all those details of the rooms and hallways from your time as a White House intern. I agree with you about the history lost in the fire because much of it cannot be replaced. It is a shame. I hope it is not true about the firefighters having to be accompanied by the Secret Service before fighting the fire. That is inexusable. These firefighters have to be able to do their jobs. Interesting statements by different Presidents concerning the energy crisis. Basic message being we have to be less dependent on foreign energy and learn to conserve at home. On the subject of Time magazine's Person of the Year, I'm not sure I agree with the choice of Vladimir Putin. I suppose they had very good reasons for choosing him. Now on to the broadcast. Regarding your discussion with Mr.Russert about the Presidential race and the wide open field. It is amazing how each week and month it seems to change. There doesn't seem to be a clear frontrunner at least on the Republican side. The independent and undecided voters may have a bigger impact than usual in this election process. This is going to be a long 2008 election. On another note the report by Ian Williams about the influx of monkeys in Delhi must be so very frustrating for the people of the city. Seeing Ian walk along the street with monkeys all around him I was thinking I hope they don't try to attack him. But they left him alone. The expansing city may be hurting their habitat and causing them to migrate the city for no other place to go, yet I hope the people find a solution to the problem. It was nice to see Ian in the studio with you because it is rare, yet when you made a comment about how we just saw him in India and now here he was in the studio he didn't react much to the humor. I liked it when you said "the mothership" that was good. Anyway, Ian has done some very good reporting covering the cyclone, Myanmar, and India. As well as sometimes the Middle East. But he seems to be very quiet and reserved. He may not be, but he seemed to be this evening. He does do fine work. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. And I watched the video of you talking with Contessa about re-gifting. Very funny! Peace to all!

Jogging the memory

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:41:26 GMT

Jogging the memory

David, West Hollywood, CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:49:17 GMT

"We're trying to confirm a report that all firefighters entering the building had to be accompanied by Secret Service -- before they could fight the fire. If true, it is the bureacracy of security run amok, and someone should probably lose their job over it."
-- We all know with this administration that will not happen.

Jogging the memory

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:06:23 GMT

I've been setting up my new computer, so I've been "newsless" for the day. A fire at the White House & no one began screaming "terrorism"? Or did I miss that part not seeing "live coverage"?

About the energy quotes: well.... I suppose they mean well. So how come, after 30 some odd years, are we still talking about it? Goes to show how much the presidents are all talk and no action, huh? They might mean well, but even a president can't change everything in the world. Just a thought to ponder....

Jogging the memory

Anna Louise — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:14:05 GMT

Brian:

Thank you for the brillant post! Fun to learn you where a WH intern. And for the sake of Mother Earth, my children, your children and future generations I ask, "When are we going to learn that very soon we are going to be "held hostage" by foreign governments on energy sources?"

In the last 6 weeks the Saudis and the Chinese have envoked billons to our banking systems. Even Canada is selling much of their oil to the Chinese.

Oh, heck, Brian, I may just run for President myself. I would have to have an internet campaign. I figured out the other day I could have school children download "Anna for President" color by numbers and have every one hang signs from their coops, condos and homes. I figured with all the debates on national television, the internet and some ads in the paper, maybe I could get on the radar.
Maybe you would even put me on your show?

Something has to Give and America Needs to Gets Its Groove Back!

Jogging the memory

Will H — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:12:58 GMT

Brian,

Your long view perspective is excellent, and it may explain why in your latest NBC/Wall Street Journal survey the public talk about wanting a country with "major reforms and a brand new and different approach in how to deal with the issues and problems facing the country". This is not some small group but 46% of the American public. The challenge to the Evening News is to hold the candidates to a higher set of standards and provide the perspective and insights on which candidates truly have the programs and ideas that will really make a difference and who has the ideas that are simply political window dressing. The news celebrates and reports on the tactics of the campaign, this may be the year to report on who is challenging the public and setting a new set of standards. The evening news has but 22 minutes, but with the blogs and the internet, the time constraints are gone. Use this source, challenge the voters!! Take any two issues (energy independence and one other) and become the voice voters can turn to and count on. Thank you.

Jogging the memory

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:59:39 GMT

Hi Brian -

Ordinarily I wouldn't ask a sports question, but this issue has transcended the sports pages. Of course, I'm talking about the steroids issue, but not from the MLB angle. I'm talking about the kids who are told by High School football coaches to 'bulk up or get out', who travel to Mexico on Spring Break with parental credit cards and purchase illegal drugs. Of course, they all want to be like their 'heros' and get big $$$ contracts.

I just can't forget the Hooten boy - age 17, nephew of a big league pitcher - who took steroids and hung himself in his bedroom. Can you?

Personally, I think Senator George Mitchell did a fine job under the parameters of his assignment. I can only hope that the Congress will take the next step and subpeona all relevant parties.

It's been good that all this broke after the season was over and the players et.al. could not hide out with their enablers in the clubhouse, but had to face the court of public opinion.

Can you imagine the children of these players saying "Daddy, how could you??"

Of course records, trophies, awards, and salary should be taken back - let's apply the Marion Jones' punishment to all these cheaters.

I hope Congress will also subpeona other members of MLB as well. We need to hear from the Managers, General Managers, coaches, owners etc. They are all culpable.

Jogging the memory

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:01:02 GMT

Hi Brian

Concerning the Mitchell Report -

It's been good that all this broke after the season was over and the players et.al. could not hide out with their enablers in the clubhouse, but had to face the court of public opinion.

Can you imagine the children of these players saying "Daddy, how could you??"

Of course records, trophies, awards, and salary should be taken back - let's apply the Marion Jones' punishment to all these cheaters.

I hope Congress will also subpeona other members of MLB as well. We need to hear from the Managers, General Managers, coaches, owners etc. They are all culpable.

Jogging the memory

Sandy Buchwalter, Columbus, OH — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:40:24 GMT

Brian, altho I have never worked/lived in Washington, I, too, think that the OEOB is one of the classic buildings - one of the few suitable to neighbor the White House.

However, does this fire not point out the need for an end to the writers' strike? Is this not a situation crying out for Jon Stewart?

Jogging the memory

Steve Needle Ruskin FL — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:45:55 GMT

I have a true story for the networks."Anatomy of a Foreclosure" A 1st time homebuyer coupled with a crooked Realtor, Mortgage broker and Title Company. It involves State and Federal laws broken Call 561-745-9800 for details if you are interested. All facts are documented.

Jogging the memory

Steve, Palm Harbor, FL — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:54:35 GMT

I can't wait until Bush/Cheney announce that the Guantanamo torture tapes just happened to be stored in the office that was destroyed by the fire.

Darn.

Jogging the memory

Toni — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:33:24 GMT

Gee, Brian, exactly WHOSE decision was it to use Michael Douglas' voice? Not to be nasty, but he sounds a bit too "girly." (NO offense, MD!)You could have used the sexiest male voice around, RUSSELL CROWE, or somebody with some depth, like DEREK JACOBI. DON LAFONTAINE, even! But Michael Douglas?! Come on NBC, haven't you ever heard that "news is entertainment too"?

Jogging the memory

Josiah, Lancaster, PA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:51:00 GMT

Let's look at ourselves before we blame the U.S. government and our current or former presidents for all of our problems. Not to say Washington is blameless, but can we look at the way WE live and find any faults? Heating costs for your home too expensive? Try living in a smaller house where there are no unused rooms. Many Americans have much more spacious homes than they need, with empty rooms that go unused, yet they complain about the energy costs to heat them. Does this make sense? Turn your thermostat and water heater down. If your commute is too far and gas costs too much, move closer to your job. Many Americans are commuting 40, 50, or even 60 minutes ONE WAY to work (and much more)on a daily basis. Is this a government problem? Now I don't like $3/gallon any more than the rest of you, but let's look at ourselves in the mirror for once and ask if we are to assume at least some responsibility for the way we live.

Jogging the memory

John Doe, Columbia, MI — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:31:19 GMT

We are all narrow in our tiny thoughts. The real problem is world over population. Too many people all wanting to use the limited resources of the earth. And no one is talking about it. Why aren't we facing this critical over population of humans?

Jogging the memory

Robert Kessel, Akron, Ohio — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:05:59 GMT

Dear Brian,
My wife Sherry and I are big fans of you and your newscasts. Sherry will be celebrating her 60th birthday in January and would be thrilled if you could send her an autographed photo, card or note. I realize this blog is probably not the most appropriate media to make this request, but it's the only way I could find. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Bob Kessel, 2276 Pine Top Court, Akron, OH 44319.